WSU versus USC Predictions and Pregame Discussions

[ShockdaWorld]

Honestly this is a time for Baker to become selfish. VERY selfish.

I think he should give the youngsters a few minutes to find out if they can grow up quick...and I mean like the first five minutes of the game. If not, then aim for 40 and hope Grady and the rest can get you 25+ and chance to win.

[_kai_]

Game preview is up http://shockerhoops.net/index.php/20...ns-in-florida/

USC looks to be a pretty tough match up. Andy Enfield is hoping to have a much better year this year than his past 2 at USC. His roster appears to be able to do that. A lot of good size and athleticism.

It's going to be a tough weekend. Lots of opportunities to conquer adversity, I feel. The team could come home from Florida a very tough and tested squad.

[Shockadelica]

I may have black & gold glasses on, but we'll have the best player on the court and the better coach.
Brown & Kelly are due for breakout games.
I think we win vs. USC even without FVV. 78-70

Posted this before I knew Shamet was out ... New prediction: Shox win 77-70

[pie n eye]

Honestly this is a time for Baker to become selfish. VERY selfish.

I'm torn on this. On the one hand I agree he's going to have to put the team on his shoulders at times. I'm just not sure he can beat 3 good teams by himself. He's going to need some help and, despite the injuries and guys not performing up to our expectations, I think we still have very talented players surrounding him who are capable of contributing if given the chance. I trust the coaching staff and Baker will strike a good balance.

[Stickboy46]

I think he should give the youngsters a few minutes to find out if they can grow up quick...and I mean like the first five minutes of the game. If not, then aim for 40 and hope Grady and the rest can get you 25+ and chance to win.

We aren't going to win very many games if we are shooting for 65 points ...

[molly jabali]

Posted this before I knew Shamet was out ... New prediction: Shox win 77-70

Got me!!!! Good one!!!!!:)

[ShockdaWorld]

We aren't going to win very many games if we are shooting for 65 points ...

Did you catch the "+" sign after the 25? 65 will give us a chance to win if our defense plays really well and we don't have whistle happy referees. The "+" is what we will need when that isn't the case.

[WSUwatcher]

Nice adjustment, shockadelica.

[ShockTalk]

USC's first 6 players in minutes and scoring by height is 6'11", 6'10", 6'6", 6'5", 6'4", and 6'1" with the leading scorers in order being 6'1", 6'5", 6'4", 6"6", 6'11", 6'10".

All play between 20-30 mpg and score 10-20 ppg. Does Baker guard their leading scorer and minute guy who's 6'1"? If JRS is in, can/does he guard this player or take on a 6'4"/6'5?

[wufan]

USC's first 6 players in minutes and scoring by height is 6'11", 6'10", 6'6", 6'5", 6'4", and 6'1" with the leading scorers in order being 6'1", 6'5", 6'4", 6"6", 6'11", 6'10".

All play between 20-30 mpg and score 10-20 ppg. Does Baker guard their leading scorer and minute guy who's 6'1"? If JRS is in, can/does he guard this player or take on a 6'4"/6'5?

I think it's Baker (6-4), Brown (6-6), Wessel (6-4), Kelly (6-7), Grady (6-8) and Taylor (6-1) as our leading minutes guys. The 6-10/11 guys are the only notable disadvantages, and that existed before the loss of VanVleet and DamitShamet.

[kstarheel]

It's time for Brown and kelly to assert themselves in a big way. If that happens, WSU can still win this tourney. If the Shox have to rely on Baker and Grady to do most of the damage, then they'll lose every game.
Dec 12th is when this season will 'restart'... Shamet gets healthy, then watch out March... 2013 all over again.

[KC Shox]

Reading the USC board, it appears their guards love to dribble drive. That's their bread and butter in scoring and getting the other team in foul trouble. We've got to do a superb job of staying in front and cutting off their lanes.

[AndShock]

Reading the USC board, it appears their guards love to dribble drive. That's their bread and butter in scoring and getting the other team in foul trouble. We've got to do a superb job of staying in front and cutting off their lanes.

USC fans are actually talking about basketball? Guess Sark really did a number on them.

[wusphlash]

I think it's Baker (6-4), Brown (6-6), Wessel (6-4), Kelly (6-7), Grady (6-8) and Taylor (6-1) as our leading minutes guys. The 6-10/11 guys are the only notable disadvantages, and that existed before the loss of VanVleet and DamitShamet.

We'll turn Eric loose on the 6-10/6-11 guys, fouls be damned.

[ShockTalk]

I think it's Baker (6-4), Brown (6-6), Wessel (6-4), Kelly (6-7), Grady (6-8) and Taylor (6-1) as our leading minutes guys. The 6-10/11 guys are the only notable disadvantages, and that existed before the loss of VanVleet and DamitShamet.

@wufan:, I'm quoting you because you quoted me, but I'm open for anybody to put their .02 to my questions.

To repeat and clarify: USC's first 6 players in minutes and scoring by height is 6'11", 6'10", 6'6", 6'5", 6'4", and 6'1" with the leading scorers in order being 6'1", 6'5", 6'4", 6"6", 6'11", 6'10".

All play between 20-30 mpg and score 10-20 ppg. Question 1: Does Baker guard their leading scorer and minute guy who's 6'1"? Question 2: If JRS is in, can/does he guard this player or take on a 6'4"/6'5 player to guard?

Note: The only player USC has on their roster that is under 6'4" and not their leading scorer at 20+, is a walk-on transfer who is sitting out this season.